| A largely deserted lot in downtown Albuquerque backing onto railroad tracks took on new life and hope for a while last Sunday. It was there that about 50 homeless people enjoyed a sack lunch, a beverage and the offer of a blanket from Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter. Providing a Sunday meal downtown was a new venture for Joy Junction, located about five miles from downtown, in Albuquerque's South Valley. While we serve about 10,000 meals-plus each month at our 4500 Second Street Southwest location, we had never before served meals off site. But when I learned that there was a lack of resources downtown on Sunday for the city's growing homeless population, it seemed a natural thing to do. After all, I figured, it's rather ironic that with Sunday being dubbed "The Lord's Day," it was instead a day of lack for the city's poor and homeless, rather than a time of bounty and provision. Wanting to make sure we did everything right, we checked on the appropriate city requirements, talked to the owner of the lot at 1st and Iron and asked him whether he would be willing to allow us to hold the event there. He graciously agreed.
We started preparing. Our kitchen manager at Joy Junction, along with his crew, put together some great sack lunches. Then last Sunday at 1 p.m., our crew headed over to 1st and Iron. We took 150 lunches, but I wasn't really sure about the size of the need and how many people would turn up. We "set up shop," and within a few minutes a line of people had formed. They were all hungry, extremely well behaved and very grateful. We served about 100 meals to our 50 or so guests. That was because a number of people asked us if they could take another sack lunch. In some cases it was to feed a hungry friend, for others it was an assurance they would have something to eat that evening. How tragic that any of us have to wonder where our next meal is going to come from! Many of those who we served were understandably reticent to share the circumstances that had led to their plight. However, one man told local media he had been traveling the country looking for work, but had run out of money, gas, and his unemployment check hadn't arrived. However, he said, at least he now had a full belly, something for which he was very grateful. Joy Junction Outreach Coordinator Kathy Sotelo said the event touched her deeply. "Taking part in such a wonderful event was so heart warming. Knowing that we made a difference of that kind is unlike anything else I've ever experienced." Kathy said as she saw the weary and sometimes emotionally and physically weighed down people take a sack lunch, she was grateful to have had a moment to chat with them. She said, "Hearing some of their stories made me feel so much more connected." Joy Junction Volunteer Coordinator Jonathan Matheny was equally impacted. He said, "Probably the most moving sight was the line of homeless individuals sitting on the curb, devouring their lunch, drinking their coffee or juice, and carefully protecting their newly received blankets. They had their own little personal space, staying in their comfort zones, making sure not to waste any crumb of food, or drop of liquid."Jonathan said he began to think about the solidarity shared by our lunchtime friends. He said although there was a variety of backgrounds represented there, something special happened. "While they began their meals as loners, "Jonathan said, "they opened up and started to share stories. They began to introduce each other and exchange ideas of their individual migratory habits. (They talked about) where to go for food, who was not being nice to the homeless in downtown, and invariably, comments about Joy Junction always trying to help." With the Lord's continued help, we will continue to keep serving Albuquerque's hungry- at Joy Junction, First and Iron and beyond. Summit Electric Supply has donated us a small catering truck, which will help us expand last week's outreach. We've called the vehicle "The Lifeline of Hope." It could quite literally make the difference between life and death to someone hungry, cold and frightened. The food vehicle will launch its mission Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at the corner of First and Iron, then make its way to a number of other locations. It will be stocked to serve at least 150 on its launch. I am very excited about this new outreach, something so needed in this difficult economy, but I'm counting on you to provide financial and volunteer support. Will you help us? For more information, go to www.joyjunction.org/joyjunctionnews.asp?ID=2641. You may also call (505) 217-9586. | 
